Socialisation Of Your Puppy or Dog…

Socialisation and Habituation Of Your Puppy or Dog

What is socialisation?

Socialisation can be described as the process whereby an animal learns how to recognise and interact with its own species, such as dog to dog and with other species such as cats and people.

This interaction helps each pet learn the body language and communication skills of each other. Whilst most of us don’t even see or hear this interaction, it is happening between many breeds and animals and through learning these skills, they learn an expected behaviour to the stimuli.

What is habituation?

Habituation can be considered as the method whereby an animal becomes attuned and desensitised to external and environmental factors so it learns to ignore them. This includes visual stimuli and sounds such as thunder, fireworks, doorbells etc.

Sometimes the term socialisation is used to encompass both the descriptions above.

Socialisation and habituation are essential to ensure that dogs become well- balanced companion animals. It helps them to deal with new situations it may encounter in the future and helps them deal with the range of people and experiences within its environment. It helps
prevent future problems of nervousness or aggression.

How do I ensure my dog gets sufficient socialisation & habituation?

Socialisation and habituation starts with the breeder – see specific handouts for this information. Once you own a puppy you should implement your own programme, exposing your dog to as wide a range of experiences and positive encounters as is possible. See checklist.
This exposure should start immediately and become diverse as soon as the puppy is fully vaccinated. It should continue ideally throughout the dog’s life but essentially up until sexual maturity.

I have an older dog, is there anything I can do for him/her?

Yes behaviour modification and re-socialisation programmes can be implemented although the help of a behaviourist or experienced dog trainer may be required. Older dogs can be desensitised to unfamiliar or frightening situations gradually, but it will never replace the
benefits of early socialisation.

My dog had a bad experience, what should I do?

Do not try and comfort the dog or react fearfully yourself as you will confirm the need for fear to the dog. The dog may look to you for guidance so remain confident. The dog should be re-exposed to the situation gradually and possibly from a distance so it becomes desensitised to it.

Proximity can be increased as the dogs confidence grows. De-sensitisation tapes are available for sound related phobias and should be used very quietly at first with the volume being increased as desensitisation occurs. Always praise or reward the dog for not showing fear and not reacting to the situation, or if it does react, as soon as it recovers from its fright. If your dog reacts aggressively in a situation it is fearful of then a desensitisation programme can be implemented with the help of a behaviourist or trainer.

What else might affect socialisation?

Breeding, temperament of both parents, health both currently and as a puppy, involvement in training, diet, environment in which it was raised and lives, experiences as a puppy and adult.